FANCY Potato Soup

Brrrrrrr...we got snow! Again...lol

Pretty snow!!

It seems all I want to do is cook and eat comfort food...and nap...

I'm really lucky that mother taught me to cook. We were "scratch" cookers, but now, I tend to use short cuts more than ever, but some things still remain as foods that are treats!

Thank You, God, for Eyes to see!

Potato Soup is one of those things. I have shared before that my favorite potato soup is simply water, potatoes and onions. It soothes my soul--isn't that the definition of comfort food?

With the forecast of the snow--and really, what were the chances the weather people would get it right--I decided that one of my treats, as I hunkered down, would be FANCY Potato soup. After all was said and done, I would need milk to make the anticipated snow cream, so why not make some potato soup!

I  went grocery shopping and bought potatoes, sweet onions, cheese, bread, eggs, buttermilk, cornmeal and I was ready for whatever happened!

As you saw in the last post, I  got to make Snow cream and it was so filled with memories!

Soup does the same for me...well, let's be honest, most everything causes memories to flood my heart, these days. I bet people think, "oh crap...does she have a story for EVERYTHING".  Sorry, yes I do!

My FIRST Snow Cream...smack smack

As I watched Daddy's health declining, buying presents for him sometimes made me sad, because I feared that he wouldn't be around to enjoy what I gave him.

I have an empty bowl...

A friend of Mothers once told her that at her age, she didn't need clothes and she didn't need things to sit around that needed dusting, but she sure did like getting food! Mother and I kept that close to memory each time a holiday came about. We would MAKE something for our neighbors...one year, I  came home from work and made 8 cakes for us to deliver the next day to our elderly neighbors...I made 8 Banana puddings one year! It brought Momma such Joy and I was glad that I could do that for her....it was the little things...

With that knowledge, one of Daddy's last Christmases, Santa put gift certificates in his stocking for 8 meals of tomato soup--his favorite.  He was so cute. He would put that certificate on the table before he left for dialysis, so I would be sure to get milk to make it!  I think it was one of his favorite gifts. I felt honored to make it for him.

In life, we get so involved with trying to make things perfect...giving the best that money can buy, and the truth is, at the end of the day, it is often the small things that we remember.

Cornbread still in the hot skillet...get it out before it sweats and gets soggy!!

Joy can be found in such simplicity. I see parents working so hard to give their children THINGS....and I can't blame anyone for wanting someone they love to have the best there is, but, when all is said and done, what have we taught those we love?

cornbread dipped into my soup!  Oh me oh my!!

I look back at my life and nothing I remember is about money or things, but about the time we shared--often around a round oak table that wabbled and creaked! I remember the laughter...the tears...the cheers...the food...and all I wish is that there was more time!

My FIRST Fancy Potato Soup...

So, Charcoal got Fancy Potato Soup with cornbread for the first time and it was LAB tested and Approved!

Oh, YUMMMMMMM....

I  smiled as I remember sitting with my family for a simple meal, made from scratch, and Mother saying it was "the BEST she ever had" and we laughed as I said she said that the last time!

Served in the cups I bought for Daddy to go with his gift certificates!

Then, Mother would say that she believed that Queen Elizabeth didn't have a better supper...and that led to our conversations and wondering if Queen Elizabeth ever had potato soup!

Oh, how I miss them...how blessed that they loved me enough to not just give us things, but time, love and laughter!

I am grateful tonight for all who have worked during this storm...those who had to leave the warmth and safety of their homes...all to make sure we could be comfortable and safe.

My heart is burdened for those who don't have a safe, warm place to rest...who don't have healthy meals...who can't pay their bills...I pray for those who are helping and I pray that all of us who can, will put hands and feet to our prayers!

Stay safe and warm as you count your blessings instead of wants and complaints...I send the hope of Blessings to You as you BLOOM where you are...~~charlotte♡

FANCY Potato Soup

6 med potatoes, peeled and diced

1 ½ tsp salt (I often leave off the salt and instead add a couple cubes of chicken bouillon)           

½ cup butter (I don’t add the butter, myself)

¼ c. finely chopped onion (I use a medium sweet onion)

½ c evaporated milk or milk or ½ and  ½ ( I have used all, but I prefer MILK)

½ c. cubes Monterey Jack cheese (I use whatever I have on hand—cheddar, velveeta, Colby jack)

Pepper to taste

Bacon crumbs or chives, optional…I like BACON!!

Put potatoes and onions in pot-cover with water.  Put top on pan on HIGH, when it starts to simmer, turn to low and cook for 10 minutes.

Do NOT drain.

Lightly mash potatoes—LEAVE big chucks!

On LOW, add the rest of the ingredients…Simmer until all cheese and butter is melted.

If too thin, cook longer…

If too thick, add more milk or water

Top with bacon, chives, cheese—ANY or all!! 

ENJOY!!!  (you can cook the potatoes in chicken broth also—adds another layer of YUMMY!)